Technical Development Manager

Key Appointments (UK) Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemicals distributor in the UK is seeking a Technical Development Manager for the Personal Care sector. The role involves initiating technical projects, providing R&D guidance, and maintaining strong customer relationships. Must have a degree in Life Sciences and experience in personal care formulation. The position offers a flexible hybrid working model and numerous employee benefits, including professional development opportunities and mental health support.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible hours

Professional development through training

Mental health support

Physical wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in personal care formulation and the chemical industry.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and manage technical projects with personal care customers.
• Provide technical guidance to R&D departments throughout the development cycle.
• Deliver internal and external presentations showcasing raw materials and formulation expertise.
• Work collaboratively with account managers and suppliers on joint customer visits.

Skills

Strong communication and presentation skills

Excellent organisation and time management

Strategic thinking with strong customer focus

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in a Life Science field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Technical Development Manager – Personal Care

Full-Time | Permanent
Home-Based with Regular UK and European Travel
(Unable to offer sponsorship or accept applications from candidates on Graduate Visas)

We are working on behalf of a leading chemicals distributor to recruit a Technical Development Manager to support growth within the Personal Care sector.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about formulation science and enjoys working directly with customers to shape product innovation.

What you’ll be doing

• Initiate and manage technical projects with personal care customers.
• Provide technical guidance to R&D departments throughout the development cycle.
• Deliver internal and external presentations showcasing raw materials and formulation expertise.
• Work collaboratively with account managers and suppliers on joint customer visits.
• Support formulation development activities in the company's application lab.
• Advise customers on formulation challenges and manufacturing issues.
• Maintain KPIs, visit schedules and an up-to-date opportunity pipeline.
• Build strong and trusted relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

What you’ll bring

Must-have

• Degree in a Life Science field
• Experience in personal care formulation and the chemical industry
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Excellent organisation and time management
• Strategic thinking with strong customer focus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Nice-to-have

• Commercial awareness
• People‑management experience
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes

What's on offer

• Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell scheme
• Flexible hours
• Hybrid working
• Professional development through external training and internal programmes
• Mental health support including free therapy/counselling
• Physical wellbeing initiatives and team challenges

A bit about the company

Our client is a well‑established chemicals distributor operating across the UK and Europe. They supply the essential raw materials that go into everyday products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, beauty items and cleaning solutions.

With strong technical expertise, a friendly culture and a commitment to innovation, they work closely with customers to support the next generation of consumer product development. As part of a wider group, they promote creativity, collaboration and inclusion throughout the organisation.

To apply

Please apply with an up‑to‑date CV that displays your suitability for the role.

By applying for this role, you give consent for your CV to be processed by Key Appointments for recruitment purposes only.